History of the Sun Theatre

Where it All Began

Built by the Montgomery Family in 1947, the Sun Theatre became a landmark to the small town of Williamston Michigan, but in passing years would start to become rundown and unused. In 1979, Russ and Carol Robitaille bought the theatre as it was abandoned and not operating. After doing some much needed renovations, the Sun reopened it to the public in February 1980. The charming one screen movie theatre became an iconic figure in the small town of Williamston, Michigan, where in 2001 was bought by Russ and Carol's son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Lisa Robitaille.

Keeping It In the Family

BusAfter 23 years of Russ Robitaille owning and operating the Sun, his son Dan Robitaille bought the theatre with his wife Lisa Robitaille in 2001. The family currently still owns the theater and hopes to keep the legacy in the family. In the left picture is Russ, Dan, and Cheryl behind the concession stands in 1983. In the right picture is Dan, Lisa, and their two children Madison and Danny in a picture that was featured in Business Monthly.

Going Digital

​In 2013, it was announced by movie companies that they would be phasing out 35mm film and fully convert to digital formatting. The Sun was in a tough situation and turned to the public and their beloved patrons for help. In just 50 days, the Sun's fundraiser reached their goal of $60,000 where donors received different prizes based on their donation.

Fun at the Sun

Since going digital, not only has the sound and image quality increased, so has the overall all experience. Being able to play DVDs through the new digital projector has allowed the theatre to have fun and entertaining special events. Multiple Rocky Horror Picture Shows have since taken place along with a Singalong Meet and Greet of Frozen.